Newport Beach knows how to host a happy hour. With so many options in this land of leisure, though, it can be tough to choose your spot. But as lifelong locals, we’ve got you covered. We’ve picked our favorite happy hours based on value, quality, and ambiance. Because who’s got time for soggy fries and weak cocktails?
It’s Happy Hour in the Jelly Fish Lounge!
Photo Credit: @cannery_newport on instagram.com
Climb the stunning staircase at Cannery Seafood of the Pacific and enter a happy hour paradise. The Jellyfish Lounge offers stunning bay views from every seat, and the happy hour menu is filled with amazing options. Choose from $5 shisito peppers, garlic fries with yuzu cilantro aioli, fresh fish, sushi rolls, and sashimi. To top it off, all drinks—cocktails, wine, and beer—are $2 off, making the evening even more enjoyable and budget-friendly.
Wednesdays – Saturdays: 4:00-6:00pm
Sundays: 3:30-6:00pm
Click HERE for the menu.
Beats, Bites, & a Rooftop Happy Hour
Photo Credit: @thebluebeet on instagram.com
Hidden in plain sight is the Blue Beet, a funky bar and music venue right in the heart of the Newport Pier area. Don’t let its central locale fool you – this is a true blue local spot. And with nightly food specials this good, it’s only a matter of time before the tourists come pouring in. (We still can’t figure out how they only charge $17 for the Thursday night prime rib). Show up before the music gets cranking and enjoy the oceanview third floor patio. They’ve got a rockin’ $6 happy hour menu with food and drink (a kids menu, too!). There’s no better place for a fun and funky evening.
Mondays – Fridays: 2:00-6:00pm
Click HERE for the menu.
It’s Sushi O’Clock at Nobu
Photo Credit: @lidomarinavillage on instagram.com
Newport Beach got a major glow-up when Nobu arrived on the scene. This top-notch restaurant, led by renowned Chef Nobu, is known for its exceptional dining experience and fresh, innovative sushi. With their Tanoshi Hour happy hour, you can experience this level of cuisine without breaking the bank. Enjoy a chic dining room setting on the Lido Marina Village waterfront and savor specialty cocktails along with cold and hot options ranging from $9-$14. This is a happy hour you won’t forget.
Mondays – Thursdays 5:00-7:00pm
Click HERE for the menu.
Views & Brews on the Bayfront
Photo Credit: @harborsiderestaurantnb on instagram.com
The award for the 7 day/week happy hour goes to the Harborside Pavilion. We come here when we’re craving that classic happy hour menu – french fries, tacos, mac n’ cheese, all the fried hits! The view is unbeatable, too. Located in the historic Balboa Peninsula (built in 1906), this spot is as iconic as it gets! Grab a beer and watch the sailboats drift past – there’s truly nothing better.
7 days/week: 12:00-6:00pm
Click HERE for the menu.
This Neighborhood Sports Bar Does Happy Hour Right
Photo Credit: @stagbarnewport on instagram.com
If you want a quintessential happy hour scene, with TVs & pool tables & inebriated 20-somethings, head to Stag Bar + Kitchen. The thing that’s unique about this place is that is serves better food than a place like this should. OMG the personal pizzas. OMG the wings. We also are thoroughly impressed with their happy hour pricing: we’re looking at you, $8 espresso martini. And the best part of all is that their happy hour is Monday to Friday, from 10:30am-6:00pm!
Mondays – Fridays: 10:30am-6:00pm
Click HERE for the menu.
Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing drink with a view or a lively night out, these happy hours are the perfect way to kick-start your evening. So, gather your crew, grab a drink, and cheers to a great night in Newport Beach!
